11 October 2009  Welcoming a new agreement between the United Nations and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to enhance policing cooperation in post-conflict areas, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the two organizations “natural partners” in boosting security and peace.

Increasingly, leaders are coming to appreciate the role of police in restoring stability after war, Mr. Ban said in a video message to a two-day ministerial meeting in Singapore convened by the UN and INTERPOL.

Demands on UN Police (UNPOL) continue to grow because “we help individuals, we uplift whole societies. UN Police nurture faith in justice. They forge trust in uniformed men and women. They geneUN Police nurture faith in justice. They forge trust in uniformed men and women. They generate confidence that peace can succeedrate confidence that peace can succeed,” he said.

The challenges, including the spectre of economic collapse and fear, in carrying out the “life-saving” work are massive, the Secretary-General stressed, adding that “the only way to succeed is to join forces.”

An action plan on global police peacekeeping is essential, he said, appealing for continued support to help victims of conflict and promote greater respect for the rule of law.